Primula

This is a very striking plant, especially when seen grown in groups, with upright pokers of red-tipped lilac-pink flower in early and mid-summer. It is best grown in light woodland but, given suitably moist soil, will also thrive in a more open situation, such as the junction of a pond and rock garden, where the right set of growing conditions is reasonably easily provided. Plants look best growing in large groups on their own, with bark chippings and fallen logs, but also team well with good foliage plants such as hardy ferns and hostas. They are found growing wild in moist mountain areas in China. The Royal Horticultural Society have given it their prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).